On Wednesday 16 November 2016, the Ville de Luxembourg (VDL) revealed this year’s ‘Winterlights’ programme which will light up the capital city from 22 November until 8 January 2017 inclusive.

The VDL has released its ‘Winterlights’ programme which form part of the capital’s end-of-year festivities. Throughout this period, Luxembourg city will be host to 1,001 lights, several Christmas markets spread across the city, concerts, exhibitions, shows and entertainment for children.

Along with traditional lights and new decorations, this year the VDL has chosen to add new light features, for example the ‘cylinders’ on rue Chimay and ‘clouds’ on rue Louvigny. It is worth noting that the VDL has been using energy-saving LED light bulbs since 2009 for environmental reasons.

In addition to new light displays, this year the Place Guillaume II will have an artistic Christmas tree for the first time, entitled ‘The Blue Tree of Pierre Bardet’. Designed by the managing director of ‘Vitrines de Strasbourg’ Pierre Bardet, the majestic tree is 8.5 metres tall and has been specially made for the VDL. It will be lit up, in the presence of its creator, on 22 November at 17:00.

The Christmas markets in Place d’Armes and Place de la Constitution will be open from 23 November to 24 December 2016, from 11:00 until 21:00 Sunday to Thursday and from 11:00 until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. On 24 December, the markets will close at 17:00.

The Christmas markets will have 130 stands offering artisanal products, decorations, jewellery, candles and other products, as well as traditional Luxembourgish cuisine, different types of mulled wine and international food and drinks.

Among the many events and activities on offer as part of the ‘Winterlights’ programme, there will be a carousel for children in the Place de la Constitution, along with workshops, a magical train ride and telling of stories in the Lieshaischen chalet. ‘Knuedler on Ice’ is also returning this year to the Place Guillaume II; it will be open from 22 November.

In the run up to Christmas and New Year’s, shops in Luxembourg City will be open on Sunday 27 November and Sunday 4, 11 and 18 December 2016. There will be free buses (routes 1-31) during those days in the capital and its neighbouring towns.

Parking will be available in Parking Schuman, P+R Bouillon, Parking Stade and Parking Fort Wedell during this period.

For the full programme and new activities, consult www.winterlights.lu